Tokyo Olympics’ Mori expected to resign Friday

TOKYO — Yoshiro Mori was expected to resign Friday as the president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee following sexist comments implying women talk too much.

Mori’s expectef departure at a board meeting comes after more than a week of non-stop criticism about his remarks earlier this month. He initially apologized but refused to step away, which was followed by relentless pressure from television pundits, sponsors, and an online petition that drew 150,000 signatures.

The Olympics are to open on July 23, with 11,000 athletes and 4,400 more in the Paralympic a month later. About 80 percent in recent polls in Japan say they want the Olympics canceled or postponed with clear support about 15 percent.

The problem could to be the replacement for the 83-year-old Mori. It’s widely reported to be 84-yearold Saburo Kawabuchi, the former president of the governing body of Japanese soccer and a former player himself. He played for Japan in the 1964 Olympics.

Kawabuchi indicated he had been contacted by Mori.

“I have to try my best, given that Mr. Mori is in this situation,“Kawabuchi told reporters on Thursday. “I felt so sorry for him. I couldn’t say no. I just want to do my best in what will be this final big job in my life.”